The event opened with a presentation of the Fire Free MED – FRED project, which outlined the project objectives, implemented activities, results achieved, and the role of the Municipality and its Protection and Rescue Service in piloting the project solutions. A dedicated question-and-answer session followed, enabling participants to discuss technical and operational aspects, including the use of advanced technologies for wildfire prevention, monitoring and emergency response.
The central part of the Demo Day featured a practical field demonstration of the FRED platform and the unmanned aerial system procured through the project. Attendees were introduced to the operational capabilities of the DJI Matrice 350 RTK drone equipped with a thermal camera, spotlight, loudspeaker and parachute safety system. The demonstration showcased how drone technology supports early fire detection, monitoring of inaccessible terrain, real-time situational awareness, damage assessment and coordination of emergency interventions.
Presenters also highlighted the integration between drone operations and the FRED software platform, which enables advanced data collection, analysis and decision support for wildfire management. Together, these tools strengthen local capacities for fire prevention and increase the efficiency of emergency response operations.
Demo Day provided an important opportunity to share project results and demonstrate the practical benefits of innovative technologies for civil protection services. Participants showed strong interest in the solutions presented and discussed their potential to increase resilience to climate-related risks and reduce the impact of wildfires in Montenegro and the wider Mediterranean region.
Several stakeholders were invited to record short video interviews after the event to share feedback. In these interviews they described their impressions, reflected on the usefulness of the demonstrated technologies for daily operations, and discussed prior experience with drone systems. Interviewees emphasised the knowledge gained during the demonstration and expressed interest in further adopting drones and advanced digital tools for wildfire prevention, emergency response, environmental monitoring and related activities.
The Demo Day concluded with a networking session, allowing attendees to exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation between local authorities, emergency services and other stakeholders involved in disaster risk reduction and environmental protection. The successful event reinforced the value of the FRED project in improving local preparedness for climate-related hazards and in building capacity to respond more effectively to wildfires.
